If You Listen…

If you listen, they will buy!

By: Rich Boyd

I hear all the time, "the sales are down because the economy is bad", and it drives me nuts. Yes, it drives me crazy to hear this constant rant about the bad economy and I think its baloney. Sure, the economy is bad, but to blame your poor sales numbers on the economy is just simply making excuses for your sales production.

I have been in sales for over 20 years and I have learned a thing or two about people. People still need products and services no matter how bad the market gets. I still buy supplies, for the office, products for my home and goods I need for my family.

You know what? I see people doing the same all around me too!!

So I think its hogwash to blame poor sales on the economy and I resent the sales professional's that do. Not once do they ever think it just might be their technique or the product they are selling for goodness sakes. They never consider listening to the customer, they just plow on threw the presentation and attempt to close the sale with little or no success.

In my experience the prospective customer will tell you, what they are looking for and what they need, shoot for that matter, if you listen, the customer will tell you what they will buy from you.

When I talk to people, I ask the "open ended questions" and then I shut up and listen. I concentrate on what they are telling me and I offer solutions that meet the needs they want to fulfill.

I know that's a simple view, but its true! People are still buying cars, portable storage buildings, insurance, computers, software, homes, and whatever they want, the list goes on.

As professionals, we must convey the information in the presentation to match the needs and desires of the client. The only way to do this is to listen to the customer and help them solve the problem with the products and services we are offering.

I have sold over $20,000 of products and services in the past 2 weeks and my appointment book stays full. What am I doing?

I am listening to my customers and providing the customer service, products and services they want. You can do it too!

SEO Truck Stop

People, Truck Drivers and Travelers…Why we love Truck Stops & Travel Centers.

By Rich Boyd

I am going to tell you something new about myself only my closest friends and family know. I am a licensed commercial truck driver. Yes the big trucks, 18-wheelers, and in all of my travels, I discovered people in general LOVE Truck Stops. I have studied these mecca's of marketing for over 20 years. We can learn a great deal from travel centers and truck stops that easily transfer to direct marketing and copywriting.

Truck stop location, layout and design, are the key elements for a successful operation. Like a strategically placed ad, the truck stop wastes no opportunity to market services and goods to a constant flow of traffic. The fuel islands, convenience store, and restaurant are scientifically laid out to direct the flow of traffic, quickly and efficiently to the cash register. Much like a well-written direct response ad, that calls the reader to action. That's what I do in my Copywriting.

Studies show that 87.6% of all interstate highway traffic use truck stops and travel centers. Families traveling over the road in there RV, Campers, and SUV on vacation are more likely to stop at the travel center to fuel up both their vehicles as well as their bellies.

Consider the interstate highway system is much like the internet. The billboard signs are strategically placed to drive the flow of traffic to the truck stop. You can place your banner ad in much the same way. If you could increase the web-traffic to your website like the truck stops do, you could increase the sales of your company. The next step is to be able to offer the verity of services and products that traffic is wanting.

Truck Stops also deliver specific benefits to its patrons:

• Fuel service
  
• Convenience Goods
  
• Food and Dining
  
• Showers and Landry services
  
• Recreation and Relaxation
  
• Logistics Support
  
• Tire Repair & Maintenance
  
• Truck & Auto Maintenance
  

Providing Specific Goods and Services to a Specific Market!

The only industry that comes close to providing such detailed and specific services to the public is the internet marketing industry. For example, You Google what you are looking for and instantly get choices the meet your requirements. While truck stops and travel centers are limited to, the travelling public and in larger part Truck Drivers. You can take advantage of the marketing principles of the modern truck stop. They are well-managed and well-run marketing oasis. Everything is focused solely on providing for the needs of the traveling public.

Internet marketing professionals are adapting to provide services and goods to broaden their market. The most successful are the ones provide specialized goods and services such as SEO, and PPC services that increase client's sales, much like the truck stops. The leading Copywriters provide the best value and opportunities to develop such results. Copywriters like me instinctively know what words to blend in with a specific message that will increase the reader's interest similar to the travel centers ability to attract customers. I show the customer what they want to buy.

If you want, your website to thrive like a modern Truck Stop …Here is my suggestions:

• Hire a specialized copywriter. Not just a SEO copywriter but a "Business to Business SEO Copywriter", "Financial SEO Copywriter", or a "Your Niche SEO Copywriter"
  
  
• Decided what message you want to convey and stick to your expertise.
  
• Your specialization is your niche and it is your target market.
  
• Diversify within your niche like the Truck Stop marketing to the traveling public.
  
• Use a PPC (pay-per Click) campaign that best fits your budget.
  

Finely, remember to keep learning and growing in you specialized niche. You can increase the web traffic to you site. If you need any help or referrals to great copywriters, email me at richcat@suddenlink.net

Thank You

Rich Boyd

 

Healthier & Wealthier

Working Out the Kinks

By: Rich Boyd

I have started getting up every morning and going down to the Rec-Center to exercise and get in shape. I am 44 years old and I have never liked working out. Those who know me know I am not one to take to sweating. Nevertheless, I decided to try to loose a few pounds and lead a healthier lifestyle.

After a month of cutting out sugar and lowering the calories of food, I eat per day and exercising I am feeling much better. Am I sore, yes; I mean my muscles are sore. However, I am feeling much better. It seems I have the stamina and energy to push through the day with the vigor of a 40 year old. You may think that's funny but remember I have always avoided anything that required swatting and I thought of fitness gurus as freaks. I have changed my opinion about fitness and working out and here is why!

One of the many benefits I discovered during my workouts, I use the time to think of ideas and strategies to be more creative in my writing. I brainstorm with every lap I swim. I don't take anything to write on I just think. A kind of therapy I guess and here is what I have found to be beneficial to my creative style of Ad writing.

Each morning I get up at 5:30 am and wipe the sleep out of my eyes. I head to my morning workout still foggy from sleep. I am a person that takes a while to weak up, so the value of my workout helps me to stimulate my brain awake. By the time I'm finished, I am fully awake and full of energy ready to take on whatever challenge ahead. I kind of like booting up a computer, my brain, (C>) prompt and ready to process my work at a higher level.

My increase in productivity alone has convinced me that it is a positive result of being healthy and fit. I also believe I owe to my clients to be at my top performance possible, which in turn benefits them.

My employees and partners also benefit as well, with a fully engaged colleague available to assists and lead. I have found, after my morning workout, I am up to speed and running full throttle when I get to the office. No more wasted time figuring out what to do next and where I am in a particular project. I have all ready brainstormed what I need to do where to head next. That reason alone I have increased my productivity by 40% and is increasing at a rapid rate. My secretary pointed out that she is having trouble keeping up with me (she's the best) I suggested she start a fitness program at the rec-center.

Finely, I do have a ways to go to achieve my ideal weight, but with hard work and dedication to myself and given the inherent benefits, I will continue to evolve into a fitness freak. For more suggestions & information about a Successful, Healthy and Wealthy lifestyle, email me at richcat@suddenlink.net together we can change your direction to a brighter heather & weather future.

Combat Fear …Take Action Today!

Combating Fear in Today's Unstable Economy

By: Rich Boyd

The US Stock Market has dropped over 8900 points in less than 3 months. The federal government is bailing out everything in sight and you, the taxpayer will be left holding the empty bag. It's hard not to fear what's coming next. I understand the fears and concerns of the American public and the craziness coming out of Washington DC makes your blood boil, your fears are justified.

However, I have found, dwelling on the negative has never gotten me anywhere and only leads to my own depression. When I am felling like this, especially in the current economic environment, I take pro-activate action. I am a writer first, and then I write Ad copy commonly known as a Copywriter, but my first love is creative writing, specifically political op-editorial writing.

There are many good things to focus on to help you overcome the fear in the market today. Here are few thoughts I have about the state of the American economy. While, the Obama administration is running circles around the American taxpayer. I believe the market is nearing the bottom regardless of the actions of the President.

The trends of increasing unemployment will soon stall as companies begin to realize they will have to produce goods and services to stay in business. Companies simply cannot produce without workers.

Professional Freelance Services have increased 256.8% over the last 36 months. People are working from home, changing the way companies throughout the US and UK does business. This increase due to industry downsizing results in a market shift to lowering cost and increasing productivity for the companies that take advantage of the outsource option. This is the most cost effective way to get your message out to the consumer. It is no wonder, so many companies are seeking out specialized talent to help stimulate growth and increase income.

Prices fall bargains are available!

The American consumer has already seen the prices fall to bargain basement levels and is beginning to buy goods at an increasing rate. The housing market, we see the actual value of homes depressed which will bring out bargain hunters will the capital to invest in new homes. Mortgage applications have increased nearly 9% in February and numbers for refinancing are up as well. The US Stock market is in a bear Market and this from my point of view is a great time to invest. There are some grossly undervalued stocks out there and investors are poised to cash in as the market rebounds. The investment dollars will flow into the companies with the best management and the most creative innovation. This innovation will begin in the energy sector as we look for new technologies to fuel the future. It will spark secondary uses, increasing productivity and lowering the cost of doing business.

Consumers, business and investors are looking for bargains, everywhere and this will lead to competition. The increase in competition always leads to innovation, as the market seeks out new methods, services and goods to increase capital. Americans have always stepped up to the challenge.

This will happen fast too!

The savvy American is prepared with the training and creative imagination of the American spirit, building new business and marketing principles, leading the world out of this economic crisis. You will be able to witness the economic revaluation. You have the opportunity here in the United States of America that no one else in the world has… to become whatever you desire.

Take Action Today

You don't have time to be fearful!

Money Concerns and Where’s the Check

Thursday, I was working, attending meetings in Little Rock. My drive to the big city is about an hour and I was worrying about the everyday things you know the mortgage, insurance payments and the fact my truck needs news tires. I know I am not alone and I realize that people are scared. My meeting was about more work and yet the last project has not been paid. The professional I am I never asked or even mentioned they owed me money, that will not change but it got me to thinking.

When I got, back to the office there it was on my desk. Several letters, one of which asking for a bid on another project. The check from the client I had just met earlier in the day. This will currently help I thought, and it reminded me that I approach life with an attitude of FAITH. Therefore, it was a great feeling to know no matter what happens things do seem to work out. When the bill collectors are calling, remember they are just doing the same things as you, their Jobs. The economy is definitely slowing and that means money as well. If you are a little late just remember you are not alone.

Rich Boyd